CAREERS I MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN

If you have served in the military, worked in construction, or studied at a technical school, you probably have the skills to start a career as a maintenance technician, helping every day to solve maintenance problems for apartment community residents. Stick with it, and one day you could become the maintenance supervisor or operations director of a large community, or a regional maintenance director for a company that works hand-in-hand with suppliers, community managers, and other diverse parts of the industry.

QUALITIES OF A SUCCESSFUL MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN

• Technical Skills: Ability to use power tools and other maintenance equipment
• Communication: Writing and speaking skills to provide written follow-up on maintenance requests and to explain the status of maintenance requests to residents (maintenance staff do not run around with keys).
• Prioritization: Ability to identify the maintenance requests that require an immediate or emergency response, complete routine maintenance requests in the order in which they were submitted and perform preventive maintenance
• Friendliness: Ability to greet residents and prospective residents and make them feel that they are a part of welcoming and friendly community
• Caring: Understanding how maintenance issues can create inconvenience for residents
• Ownership: Taking responsibility for and pride in your work
• Self-Motivation: Ability to work, troubleshoot, and problem-solve independently
• Learn more about maintenance by downloading this brochure.

EDUCATION & TRAINING FOR MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN 

Many maintenance technicians begin their careers with a degree or equivalent education from a community or technical college. Many enter the industry with high school career and technical training. The Certificate for Apartment Maintenance Technicians (CAMT) is available through local apartment associations and community and technical colleges.

MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN ANNUAL BASE SALARY RANGE*

One of the RPM industry’s great benefits is compensation for your knowledge and growth, no matter which career path you choose.

• Entry Level: $30,200 – $36,200
• Experienced: $36,200 – $54,000
• Regional Supervisor: $66,800 – $90,900
• Work Hours: Full time
• Housing Benefits: Some employers offer rent reduction of 20% – 100%
• Benefits: Health insurance, life insurance, retirement plan, tuition assistance
• Additional Earnings: Overtime pay and bonus pay, 4–10 percent of salary

*Source: CEL & Associates 2013 Real Estate Compensation Survey; exact salaries depend on geographic location, relevant experience, and company policy.